Screening for Celiac Disease

The purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are usually administered to people without current symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain diseases or conditions.

In the United States, children are generally not screened for celiac disease. In countries where celiac disease is more common, children are routinely screened for the disease. For example, in Italy, children are screened for celiac disease by age six. The Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research recommends the following:

If someone in your family is known to have celiac disease, you should be screened for it. Doing so can help avoid the complications that can result from not treating the disease.

If you suffer from celiac disease, you should be tested for nutritional deficiencies. In some cases, testing for bone density may also be necessary.

Screening for celiac disease involves testing for the antibodies to gluten. This is done by testing a blood sample for three specific antibodies: antigliadin, anti-endomysium, and antireticulin.

There is a test available that may eventually become the test used to screen large populations. It is a blood test that detects an antigen called tissue transglutaminase (tTG).

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.